Cole2Crea8 to Empower 319,000 Entrepreneurs in Rivers

The Cole2Crea8 initiative, led by Tony Cole of the Cole Collective, plans to empower 319,000 creative entrepreneurs in Rivers State, Nigeria. This program will operate across 319 wards, establishing 319 creative enterprise hubs and focusing on job creation, particularly in the creative sectors such as art, fashion, music, film, design, craft, and digital content.

The initiative aims to integrate creative storytelling into a marketplace and utilize a mobile television digital platform to enhance citizen engagement. The program is designed to convert creative jobs into inclusive economic opportunities, reinforcing the role of the creative economy as a central pillar for growth.

It emphasizes civic participation and aims to connect talent with market growth. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to advocate for creative enterprises and youth empowerment, with a focus on media visibility and support for scaling creative talent.

The announcement was made on a Friday, highlighting the urgency of diversifying the economy in Rivers State.